Manufacturing jobs lead to steady employment

The rate in July was 4.7 percent, compared to 5.3 percent in July 2005 and 4.8 percent nationwide.

The not-seasonally adjusted rate for the month was 4.8 percent, down from 5 percent in June. Not-seasonally adjusted rates typically rise in June and decline in July and August when students enter the work force for the summer and leave as school begins.

Seasonally adjusted job increases were seen in manufacturing, up by 4,600 jobs, and government employment – including public schools – with 3,500 new jobs. Professional and business services added 3,100 jobs, and educational and health services grew by 2,800 jobs.

The increase in manufacturing employment was caused by fewer lost jobs in motor vehicle manufacturing in July than are usually dropped.

In the last year, 33,300 jobs have been added in nonfarm payroll, an increase of 1.2 percent.